Gums and resins: The potential for supporting sustainable adaptation in Kenya's drylands

Abstract

Frequent droughts and conflicts are key challenges faced by nomadic pastoralists in Kenya's drylands. Few options exist for alternative livelihoods. This article investigates the potential of collecting plant gums and resins for livelihood diversification and for contributing to sustainable adaptation to climate change in Kenya's drylands. Observations were made in various studies over a period of two years on dryland vegetation resources, and interviews undertaken with gum collectors. This research found that many households currently collect and sell plant gums and resins as alternative to livestock production. These include gum arabic from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal; myrrh from Commiphora myrrha; hagar from Commiphora holtziana; and frankincense from Boswellia neglecta. Collectors include poor people, women and children and some opportunists. Incomes are relatively low, however, and several factors constrain the activity. The case of gums and resins illustrates that key principles of sustainable adaptation are related: supporting local knowledge and adaptation strategies (one key principle of sustainable adaptation) does not contribute to sustainability unless at the same time contextual factors that marginalize livelihoods are addressed (another key principle).